[Review] Crimson Halo by Daniel May

[quillpunk]

Title: Crimson Halo
Author: Daniel May
Genre: Paranormal Romance
CW: The main character has an unnamed mental illness, which includes graphic descriptions/depictions of hallucinations and withdrawal from the meds he needs but has run out of due to the pharmacy not having them in stock.
Review: I didn't expect to like this book nearly as much as I did. *Crimson Halo* is a paranormal M/M vampire romance, with insta-romance and a vampire that's right up my alley. I haven't been into the vampire genre in a long time, and the last few tries I made at reading MM vampire romance did not pan out at all; I think I DNF'd both, and I just really didn't have any expectations picking this up—but I was really pleasantly surprised. The writing style works incredibly well for me, and the portrayal of vampires is a nice break from the angsty, brooding vampires I remember.

I just adore the side characters in this, in particular the relationship the vampire has with his familiar, and the relationship he has with his former familiar. It becomes clear during the course of the book that the reason for his emotional changes—going from a cold, distant vampire to a person aching for companionship and love—is in large part because of his former familiar, with whom he had a familial relationship. He’s a little emotionally constipated about it! But honestly, without her laying the groundwork, the vampire never would have been in a place where he would fall in insta-love.

(Yes, it’s been a minute since I read this and I’ve forgotten everybody’s names.)

In addition to the romance, there’s a mystery. Someone’s killing humans, and in a city with vampires that are more or less under control, who could it be? I clocked it. I figured it out. It wasn’t super hard, the clues were there—but honestly, I like this a lot more than mysteries that don’t give clues at all. (Tossing shade.) And I think the resolution to the mystery makes sense.

The romance is lovely, and the ending feels sound. I like the various friendships that are in the book; I think this succeeded very well at making it clear there exists something in this world beyond just the main characters’ relationship, which is cool!

Overall, I had a really good time with this book, and I definitely recommend it! :D

Comments

[bluapapilio]

Looking at goodreads, it seems people either like it despite its flaws or couldn't stomach them. I'm curious which I'll be so I'll try it! =)

[quillpunk]

it's probably not perfect but it hit just the right 'this is fun! :D' note for me that my brain shut off and i just enjoyed the ride, lol

[bluapapilio]

Any time that can happen is a plus, I'm like that with movies and get surprised when other people don't like them nearly as much;; If it's entertaining I'm good haha~

[quillpunk]

same lol